By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI
Pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) are not only moral and spiritual fortresses, but also strategic centers for human empowerment. Amid the development dynamics of Lumajang Regency, pesantren play a key role in improving the Human Development Index (HDI) through the pillars of education, health, and economy. By strengthening the role of pesantren and integrating higher education within them, Lumajang can nurture a generation that is intelligent, healthy, and economically independent—while remaining deeply rooted in Islamic and national values.
The strategy to improve Lumajang Regency’s Human Development Index (HDI) through pesantren and higher education institutions within pesantren can be formulated along the three main pillars of HDI: education, health, and purchasing power (economy). Here is a comprehensive strategy proposal:
1. Education Strategy
a. Strengthening Educational Institutions in Pesantren:
Providing an integrated curriculum (religious, general, and vocational education).
Developing pesantren-based universities focusing on entrepreneurship education, appropriate technology, and progressive Islamic education.
b. Scholarship and Incentive Programs:
Collaborating with the Lumajang Regional Government and private institutions to provide scholarships for outstanding students (santri).
Providing incentives to santri who continue higher education within pesantren.
c. Pesantren Literacy and Digitalization:
Enhancing digital literacy among santri through training and computer lab facilities.
Implementing technology-based learning and e-learning systems.
2. Health Strategy
a. Healthy Pesantren – Healthy Santri:
Providing basic health services in pesantren (health posts) staffed by pesantren alumni or health science students.
Nutrition education, Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS), and pesantren environmental sanitation.
b. Collaboration with the Health Office:
Programs for immunization, routine health check-ups, and training of health cadres within pesantren.
Developing adequate sanitation and clean water facilities.
3. Economic / Purchasing Power Strategy
a. Santri Economic Empowerment:
Entrepreneurship and productive skills training: agriculture, livestock, digital marketing, and the creative industry.
Establishing pesantren business units (santri cooperatives, pesantren-owned enterprises) based on local potential.
b. Pesantren Business Incubator:
Pesantren campuses as entrepreneurship incubation centers: connecting santri with business mentors, investors, and markets.
“Santripreneur” programs in collaboration with local MSMEs and village-owned enterprises (BUMDes).
c. Productive Zakat, Infaq, Sadaqah, and Waqf Systems:
Driving pesantren’s economy through the management of zakat, infaq, sadaqah, and waqf for business investment and scholarships.
4. Synergy Strategy between Regional Government & Pesantren Institutions
Pesantren-Lumajang Maju Communication Forum (FKPLM): a coordination platform between pesantren and the regional government.
Pesantren Regional Regulation: promoting affirmative policies for pesantren as centers of human empowerment.
Closing Remarks:
Improving Lumajang’s HDI is not just a matter of statistical targets, but a sincere effort to develop holistic human beings. By positioning pesantren and pesantren-based higher education institutions as engines of transformation, Lumajang can step confidently toward a brighter future—competitive, characterful, and civilized. Now is the time for pesantren to ascend, becoming the locomotive of regional progress.
References:
1. Central Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Lumajang Regency Human Development Index 2022. BPS Lumajang.
2. Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas. (2020). National Strategy for Improving Human Development Index. Jakarta: Bappenas.
3. Directorate of Diniyah Education and Pesantren. (2022). Data and Statistics of Indonesian Pesantren. Jakarta: Ministry of Religious Affairs, RI.
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4. Qomar, M. (2007). Pesantren: From Methodological Transformation to Institutional Democratization. Jakarta: Erlangga.
5. Zarkasyi, H.F. (2010). Pesantren Management: Concepts and Applications. Jakarta: Kencana.
6. Abdullah, T. (2011). Pesantren and Reform. Jakarta: LP3ES.
7. Ministry of Religious Affairs RI. (2019). Law No. 18 of 2019 on Pesantren. Jakarta: Ministry of Religious Affairs, RI.
8. Ilyas, Y. (2002). Health and Human Development. Jakarta: UI Press.
9. Sulistiyono, A. (2021). Pesantren Economy: A Pillar of Community Empowerment. Surabaya: UINSA Press.
10. Nasrullah, R. (2020). Santripreneur: Concepts and Practices of Entrepreneurship in Pesantren. Bandung: Remaja Rosdakarya.